Ankara Hosts Forum on Combating Disinformation Among Turkic States

Turkic States Gather in Ankara for First-Ever Forum on Combating Disinformation

A landmark gathering of Turkic nations kicked off today in Ankara as representatives from eight countries convened for the Turkic States Forum on Combating Disinformation, marking a coordinated regional effort to address growing information security challenges.

Delegations from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are participating in the two-day event, which brings together government officials, media organizations, and regional experts to establish frameworks for cooperation in the increasingly complex information landscape.

The forum represents a significant step toward implementing the Information Action Plan of the Turkic States Organization for 2025, establishing what organizers hope will become a sustainable communication environment among member states while strengthening institutional ties to counter disinformation threats.

Azerbaijan sent a high-level delegation to the event, including Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, and several officials from the Presidential Administration’s Department for Cooperation with NGOs and Communications. Representatives from Azerbaijan’s international relations and media sectors are also participating.

“This initiative comes at a critical time when disinformation campaigns have become more sophisticated and potentially damaging to regional stability,” said one participant who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. “The Turkic states recognize that collaboration is essential to address these challenges effectively.”

The gathering underscores growing concerns about information security across the region, where social media penetration has increased rapidly in recent years. According to recent studies, approximately 70 percent of citizens in Turkic states now access news primarily through digital platforms, creating new vulnerabilities to misinformation.

Sessions throughout the forum will examine the impact of disinformation on national security frameworks, public opinion formation, and regional stability. Participants are expected to develop practical mechanisms for coordinated responses to information threats, with particular attention to cross-border cooperation.

The forum also addresses several strategic priorities identified in the Turkic States Organization’s Information Action Plan, including media literacy programs, information security protocols, responsible use of digital technologies, and developing next-generation journalism standards across member states.

Regional experts note that the gathering represents an evolution in how Turkic nations approach information security challenges. Historically, these countries have addressed disinformation primarily through domestic policies, but the transnational nature of modern information threats has necessitated more coordinated approaches.

The emergence of artificial intelligence tools capable of generating convincing fake news has further complicated the information landscape across Central Asia and the Caucasus, prompting calls for shared technological solutions and regulatory frameworks.

Media development agencies from participating countries are expected to sign memoranda of understanding during the forum, establishing formal channels for information sharing and joint training initiatives.

“What makes this forum particularly significant is that it acknowledges disinformation as both a domestic and international challenge requiring multilateral solutions,” explained a regional analyst familiar with the initiative. “By bringing together media professionals, government representatives, and policy experts, the Turkic states are taking a comprehensive approach.”

The forum also reflects the growing institutional maturity of the Turkic States Organization, which has expanded its focus beyond economic and cultural cooperation to address emerging security challenges, including those in the information domain.

Participants are expected to issue a joint declaration tomorrow outlining specific commitments and establishing working groups to continue collaboration beyond the forum. Organizers have indicated this will become an annual event, with subsequent forums hosted by different member states.